Sega isn’t as focused on blockchain games as it used to be, and currently refrains from using its biggest IP, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, in third-party blockchain games. The move is to ensure Sega doesn’t devalue its own content.
talk to bloombergSega Co-Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi has slammed blockchain games as “boring.”
“Play-to-Earn game action is boring. What’s the point if the game isn’t fun?” Mr. Utsumi said.
However, Sega will continue to let outside partners use characters from lesser-known series such as Three Kingdoms and Virtua Fighter as NFTs. Utsumi pointed out that the technology continues to be useful when characters and items can be moved between different games.
Sega, too, has put its own blockchain game project on hold for the time being, and is undecided whether it will incorporate Web3 technology into its upcoming “Super Games” suite.
However, as Utsumi said, “Audiences should not be suspicious of risk takers,” Sega remains open to using blockchain technology if it proves successful.
“For most of the video game industry, blockchain advocates may sound a little extreme, but First Penguin has always been,” Utsumi explained. “We should never underestimate them.”
Blockchain games have been a controversial topic for the last few years. Many companies have jumped on the trend, including Square Enix and Ubisoft. However, many gamers did not like this. Blockchain games weren’t as popular as expected, which led to more companies rejecting them. Electronic Arts initially spoke positively about blockchain gaming, but later said it would not be “enthusiastic” in that direction.
George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. He has been writing about the industry since his 2019 and has also worked with other publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR and Variety.
When he’s not writing about video games, George is playing them. surprised! You can follow him on Twitter @yingyangfooey.
